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In a broader perspective, the term ‘design’ may refer to anything that is intentionally made by man. However, in an engineering perspective, the term ‘design’ has a profound meaning. In engineering, design is not only a conscious activity, but is considered as a “central activity” in any engineering discipline (Dym & Brown xiii). There are many definitions of design in engineering. However, there is a consensus among scholars that engineering design refers to the systematic and intelligent process used in developing solutions in order to meet a particular problem or need under a specific set of constraints (Haik & Shahin 3). As a systematic activity, the engineering design process undergoes several steps in consecutive order. The course, for instance, identifies twelve design steps that provide a framework for the design processes. The first step in the design process is to identify the need or the problem. In this initial stage of design, the client communicates the need for the designer or the designer identifies a potential problem and engages himself to provide a solution to the problem that he has identified. After which, the designer or a team of designers brainstorms or develop ideas on how to solve the problem. This step is then followed by an extensive research wherein the designer or group of designers gathers and reviews all the information available. This includes information regarding similar problems that has been encountered in the past and what has been done to address such problem.
Prior to the actual design process, the designer should be aware of the constraints and criteria of the design project. There are, for instance, minimum specifications required by regulatory bodies in making designs or perhaps the client require a particular strength or quality, budget or time. After identifying the constraints, the designer, then explores the possible solutions to the need or problem while making sure that the criteria and constraints set by the client and the regulatory bodies are satisfactorily met. A final concept is then selected from the possible solutions. This final concept is then studied extensively and a proposal is developed. After which, the designer creates a real or computer generated models of the chosen concept in order to provide a visual of what is being built. Some designers even build prototypes so that their designs can be tested. Testing and evaluating is an important part of the design process. Prior to mass production, a design prototype is tested and checked against the design criteria and constraints in order to determine if the design is acceptable. After the design passes the given criteria, it is then refined. Among the major considerations for refinement are aesthetics, quality and economy. It is the stage wherein final touches and modifications are made prior to mass production. After everything is set, the design is then produced or mass produced depending on the nature of the design. In production lines, this is the stage wherein packaging and labeling are considered. After the design goes out of production, the final step would be to communicate how the designer was able to arrive to the final product and to market and distribute the product.
The design process is depicted as a cycle. Apparently, design does not stop after the product has been delivered to the client. It is, for instance, important to monitor if the design was able to address the needs of the client or if the design was effective in addressing the problem. Client feedbacks are thereby important in the design process in order for the designer to constantly improve his design in line with the needs of the client. After which, the design cycle starts again depending on how the client rates his satisfaction with the final product. In the design process, it is important to involve the client and other stakeholders as their feedbacks are essential in the development of the product’s design. Moreover, designs do not have to be stagnant. In a rapidly changing world, designs must also evolve to address the changing needs of the clients.
Works Cited
Dym, C., & Brown, D. Engineering Design: Representation and Reasoning, 2nd Ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Haik, Y., & Shahin, T. Engineering Design Process; Second Edition. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2011.
